Pedagogy is the study of teaching, and typically thought to refer to the teaching of children. By contrast, andragogy is the study of teaching adults. Historically, these are distinct, but Steve Wheeler says "learning is learning" because what was thought to be unique about andragogy now also applies to pedagogy.
- Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction
- Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities
- Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life
- Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented
In response, Donald Clark argues (a bit lamely) that "we should be embracing the term because of its rich history and pioneering the way of our present concept of learning."